Nirbhay Cruise Missile

Overview

India's long-range subsonic cruise missile, designed to provide terrain-hugging all-weather precision strike capability against strategic and tactical targets. Nirbhay (Sanskrit for "Fearless") features a turbofan engine for subsonic cruise flight, range exceeding 1,000 km, terrain-following radar and GPS/INS guidance for accuracy within 10 metres, and loitering capability over the target area. The missile can be launched from land (TEL), ships, submarines, and aircraft. Flight profile includes low-altitude terrain-following to avoid radar detection, with the ability to execute evasive manoeuvres and waypoint navigation. Warhead options include conventional high-explosive, penetrator, and potentially submunitions. Nirbhay development has faced challenges with several test failures, but successful flights demonstrated the missile's capability. The system aims to provide India with an indigenous long-range precision strike capability comparable to the Tomahawk or Kalibr, reducing dependence on foreign systems. Expected to achieve operational status in the mid-to-late 2020s.

Technical Specifications

Operators

• India

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